Your Insider’s Guide to the City’s Daytime Delights
Welcome to Simply Chiang Mai—your go-to guide for the city’s buzzing breakfast, brunch, and coffee scene. Launched in 2025, this is where you’ll find some of the best spots to sip, savour, and soak up the atmosphere in Thailand’s northern capital.
Beyond the Temples
Beyond the temples and jungle-fringed mountains, Chiang Mai hums with another rhythm—fresh coffee, brunch plates, the clink of cups, and the slow, easy pace of locals and travellers lingering inside.
This passion for cafe life is no passing trend; with a thriving network of artisan roasters, talented baristas, and a loyal community of coffee lovers, Chiang Mai has earned its crown as Thailand’s undisputed coffee capital.
Navigating the City’s Cafe Wonderland
With more than 2,500 cafes, coffee shops, and restaurants listed on TripAdvisor alone, finding the right spot can be a challenge. That’s where Simply Chiang Mai comes in—a curated guide to some of the city’s most-loved venues, with a focus on daytime gems within 10km of the Old City. Expect a mix of charming hideaways, design-led brunch spots, and cafes that locals love as much as travellers. The list is always evolving, so keep an eye out for fresh finds.
Guided by Us, Decided by You
Every recommendation comes from firsthand visits, return trips, and a bit of healthy obsession. We aim to capture the essence of each place—its vibe, style, and standout offerings—while sprinkling in a few menu highlights from reviews. But taste is personal, so we’ll give you the facts and let you decide if it’s your cup of tea… or coffee.
Where Taste Meets Style
In Chiang Mai, the charm of a cafe isn’t just what’s on the menu—it’s the feeling it leaves behind. A great cafe can lift your mood before you’ve even taken a sip, thanks to the music, the light, the layout, and those little design details that just feel right. It’s the way the morning sun lands on a latte, the scent of fresh beans in the air, the perfect corner seat. That’s why every Simply Chiang Mai listing comes with a photo gallery—because sometimes it’s the vibe, not just the menu, that makes you want to stay a little longer.
How to Use Simply Chiang Mai
▶︎ The website splits venues into two main groups—COFFEE SHOPS and CAFE/RESTAURANTS.
▶︎ COFFEE SHOPS are all about the brew; CAFE/RESTAURANTS lean into a bigger menu and more seating. The lines blur, of course—you say latte, I say lunch—and you might place them differently. That’s fine.
▶︎ For more specific groupings, head to DISCOVER in the main menu. There you’ll find filters for everything from Table Service and Industrial Style to Late Coffee. You’ll find a selection here to get you started. Or browse our A–Z listing if you want the lot.
Why Simply Chiang Mai?
Simply Chiang Mai started as a personal project—an aide-memoire for the cafes and restaurants we fell for during our years living here. It’s since grown into a resource to help others discover the city’s flavours, styles, and hidden gems we’ve come to love.
The collection is expanding all the time, with colourful photography and reviews that celebrate Chiang Mai’s unique cafe culture. Whether you’re here for a few days or a lifetime, let us help you find your next favourite spot.
🏔 Coffee at the foot of the mountains? Yes, please.
